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Is Dyslexia a Gift?

A Deep Dive Into a Controversial Question

I’ve given this presentation at conferences of the International Dyslexia Association and its branches. This version is actually a recorded rehearsal of the live, in-person talk, but other than the group activities (skipped during my rehearsal), the content is exactly the same. This presentation is a deep dive (about 90 minutes in duration) into this controversial topic, but it’s fast-paced with lots of engaging images and some stop-action animation. 

So, grab a beverage, put your feet up, and delve into the various perspectives on whether or not dyslexia should be considered a gift. I even include a bit of my own dyslexia story at the end.

Here’s the blurb:

Is Dyslexia a Gift? A Deep Dive Into a Controversial Question

“Is dyslexia a gift? Good question, one that remains a bone of contention within the dyslexia field and community. The answer probably isn’t binary. We’ll begin by considering this question through historical and research lenses and in the context of cerebrodiversity and neurodiversity frameworks. As we go, we’ll explore various perspectives and implications, including the role of the environment. Several group
activities help you capture and share your own thinking on this controversial question.”

(The handout used throughout can be found here  https://dyslexiaida.org/is-dyslexia-a-gift-infographic/.)

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Click here to watch.